Aotearoa-New Zealand Ski

Just a short flight across the ditch, you can find some of the Southern Hemisphere’s best skiing and boarding. Read on to discover seven world class ski fields, four epic alpine towns, and plenty of off-mountain activities for your next Winter adventure.
New Zealand ski fields are uncrowded, queues comparatively short and there are plenty of wide-open bowls and gentle slopes for first-time skiers. For the more adventurous, New Zealand offers spectacular off-piste skiing and an exciting range of heli-skiing opportunities.

SOUTH ISLAND

New Zealand’s Southern Alps – a series of mountain chains extending the length of the South Island and rising to 2000m – are more extensive than the Swiss, French and Austrian Alps combined. Dozens of different ski areas and winter sports resorts can be found in these immense and spectacular mountains, catering for all levels of ability on the slopes.

Coronet Peak

Scheduled opening date: 19 June 2021
Location: 25 minutes’ drive from Queenstown.
Coronet Peak is the closest mountain to Queenstown. Stunning high points and rolling trails offer seasoned skiers and riders’ excellent terrain to explore. Coronet Peak’s renowned night ski continues in 2020, lighting up Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The Remarkables Ski Area

Scheduled opening date: 26 June 2021
Location: 45 minutes’ drive from Queenstown.
The Remarkables is known for its friendly atmosphere, high altitude and north-facing sunny slopes. As well as plenty of space for beginners, The Remarkables has extensive freestyle features across three dedicated terrain parks. The new high-speed, six-seater chairlift means more terrain and faster laps in 2020.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Scheduled opening date: 12 June 2021
Location: 35 minutes’ drive from Wanaka / 55 minutes’ drive from Queenstown.
Cardrona has superb, wide terrain spread across three main valleys, which also includes the southern hemisphere’s most extensive terrain park. Cardrona is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and experience.

Treble Cone Ski Area

Schedule opening date: 26 June 2021
Location: 35 minutes’ drive from Wanaka / 90 minutes’ drive from Queenstown.
Treble Cone is the largest ski area in New Zealand’s South Island and offers the longest vertical in the Southern Lakes. Famous for its long, groomed slopes, legendary off-piste and unrivalled views.

Mount Hutt

Schedule opening date: 11 June 2021
Location: 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive from Christchurch / 35 minutes’ drive from Methven
Mount Hutt is one of the largest and highest ski areas in the South Island. It is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of every age and ability. Mount Hutt features a network of progressive terrain parks and dedicated learning facilities making it perfect for families.

NORTH ISLAND

Tongariro National Park extends across much of the central North Island volcanic plateau – a surreal landscape of colourful sunsets, golden tussock and ever-changing cloud formations. The World Heritage park is an incredible place for winter sports.
The action centres on Mt Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest mountain. Two of its three ski areas – Whakapapa and Tūroa – are the largest in New Zealand and boast some of the country’s longest ski runs with volcanic features and vast views, accessed by state-of-the-art lifts.
You can base yourself in nearby lively villages Ohakune and National Park, or slightly further afield in the geothermal lakeside town of Taupō (daily shuttles run in winter).

Whakapapa Ski Area

Scheduled opening date: 3 July 2021
Location: 45 minutes’ drive from Ohakune or 1 hour 20 minutes’ from Taupō.
Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes of Mount Ruapehu is New Zealand’s largest ski area with 550ha of skiable terrain. The dedicated learners’ area makes Whakapapa ideal for those learning to ski or snowboard. The recently opened Sky Waka gondola is the largest and most technically advanced in New Zealand, taking visitors high up the mountain all year round.

Turoa Ski Area

Scheduled opening date: 3 July 2021
Location: 20 minutes’ drive from Ohakune, or 2 hours’ from Taupō.
Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes of Mount Ruapehu has Australasia’s longest vertical descent (722m) and lift-accessed back country terrain. A small learners’ area caters to beginners, while the intermediate and advanced terrain keeps experienced skiers and snowboarders entertained all day.

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